Being a terrific, multi-year college player doesn’t always mean it will translate to the NBA. In most cases, it doesn’t. The league is built on star power, most of which has recently come from one-and-done recruits or overseas prospects. Players that spend more than one season in college typically do so for good reason; the step-up in NBA competition is ten times that of making the leap from high school to college.
Over the last 15 or so years, the National Player of the Year award winners have been either elite freshmen or experienced veterans. Young names such as Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson are countered by the likes of seniors Jimmer Fredette, Tyler Hansbrough, Frank Mason, and most recently Luka Garza.